Our View: Politics was in his blood

Condolences to U.S. Rep Cheri Bustos, D-17, on the passing of her father, Gene Callahan.

Callahan was active in politics his entire adult life. He was a political reporter for the Illinois State Register, predecessor to the State Journal-Register.

Callahan left journalism to become deputy press secretary to Gov. Otto Kerner and also was on the staff of Gov. Samuel H. Shapiro. He later worked for Lt. Gov. Paul Simon. Callahan was Alan Dixon’s chief of staff during Dixon’s years as Illinois state treasurer, secretary of state and U.S. senator.

Callahan never really retired from politics, although he worked behind the scenes later in life.

It was fitting that he was at a political event for Bustos at Norb Andy’s Tavern in Springfield on the last day of his life. Norb Andy’s also will be the site for a celebration of his life on Friday.

Bustos did not take any time out of her re-election campaign after her father’s death. She continued to travel the district in her bid to beat Republican challenger Bobby Schilling. Like father, like daughter.